Difference between “I’m sorry” and “I regret if …”

It seems that, most of the time, when someone famous does something offensive, stupid, damaging, etc., they will later say that they regret it. I believe the word is chosen carefully, and while my dictionary and newspaper headlines indicate that “regret” and “sorrow” are synonomous, I think the words carry different connotations.

Hillary Clinton said, “I regret that if my referencing that moment of trauma for our entire nation and particularly for the Kennedy family was in any way offensive.”

Let’s say I cheat on my wife and subsequently say, “Honey, I regret if my actions in any way offended you.” Wouldn’t it be more heartfelt if I said, “Honey, I’m sorry for what I did, and I take full responsibility for doing such a terrible thing.” There’s definitely a difference. Just ask lawyers and speech writers.

To Sharon: How about “my opponent is not qualified to be commander in chief” or “my opponent is not electable” ? Or the famous “ducking from sniper’s story” or “I was always against NAFTA” or all the other Hillaryisms. How about the Bill racist comment? Or all the other stupid comments. How many spoken gaffes as Obama had to apologize for? Why do you think her opponent is beating her like embarssment? It’s not her platform. It’s not because she’s a woman (I’m sure you don’t believe that!). It’s not because he’s lying or attacking her. IT’S BECAUSE OF WHAT SHE’S SAID and her opponent taking the high road in this campaign. I think that a pretty good “nit to pick” when you consider the heir to the throne – blew it.

Well said Nick. It’s not so much on nit picking as much as the frequent choice of words by politicians who think by saying it is absolution.

toohip

To Sharon: How about “my opponent is not qualified to be commander in chief” or “my opponent is not electable” ? Or the famous “ducking from sniper’s story” or “I was always against NAFTA” or all the other Hillaryisms. How about the Bill racist comment? Or all the other stupid comments. How many spoken gaffes as Obama had to apologize for? Why do you think her opponent is beating her like embarssment? It’s not her platform. It’s not because she’s a woman (I’m sure you don’t believe that!). It’s not because he’s lying or attacking her. IT’S BECAUSE OF WHAT SHE’S SAID and her opponent taking the high road in this campaign. I think that a pretty good “nit to pick” when you consider the heir to the throne – blew it.

Well said Nick. It’s not so much on nit picking as much as the frequent choice of words by politicians who think by saying it is absolution.

sharon blackburn

toohip, so this is all about Obama and Hillary? Gee I thought it was about “someone famous”.

I would mention mountains out of molehills, but I limit myself to one cliche a day.

sharon blackburn

toohip, so this is all about Obama and Hillary? Gee I thought it was about “someone famous”.

I would mention mountains out of molehills, but I limit myself to one cliche a day.

curt, yes THE curt

I would love to add something prophetic, but in the end, it just doesn’t matter. Well said Nick, my friend, but you might as well be talking to the wall. He who has the money buys the votes and is, in turn, most popular. We live in a sad, sad, world void of ethics. But hey, cheers!

curt, yes THE curt

I would love to add something prophetic, but in the end, it just doesn’t matter. Well said Nick, my friend, but you might as well be talking to the wall. He who has the money buys the votes and is, in turn, most popular. We live in a sad, sad, world void of ethics. But hey, cheers!

Marek

I think that you would regret having done something for selfish gain such as cheating on a spouse or breaking the law knowing full well that there could be negative consequences for your actions. When its payback time then you regret having done such a thing. Whereas being sorry to me implies having wronged someone unintentionally.

Marek

I think that you would regret having done something for selfish gain such as cheating on a spouse or breaking the law knowing full well that there could be negative consequences for your actions. When its payback time then you regret having done such a thing. Whereas being sorry to me implies having wronged someone unintentionally.

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